How do China's new export restrictions on rare earths affect the supply of magnets?

Since 4 April 2025, new export restrictions for 7 metals classified as so-called rare earths have been in effect in China. These metals are essential for the production of high-performance magnets such as neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB). These regulations for certain rare earth metals and the magnets manufactured from them are affecting supply chains worldwide – with longer delivery times and rising costs as a direct consequence.

The export controls affect the following 7 elements:

• Samarium (Sm)
• Gadolinium (Gd)
• Terbium (Tb)
• Dysprosium (Dy)
• Lutetium (Lu)
• Scandium (Sc)
• Yttrium (Y)

These metals are crucial for magnets that must withstand extreme conditions such as high temperatures, severe corrosion, or mechanical stress.

Longer delivery times

The delivery of individual magnets and magnetic end products may be delayed. Our purchasing team is working closely with manufacturers and logistics providers to keep these delays as minimal as possible.

Availability

Due to restricted processing at Chinese customs offices, shortages of all magnet products may occur worldwide.

In particular, the availability of magnets with high temperature resistance (over 80 °C), as well as a few special designs, such as countersunk magnets, is extremely limited at this time.

Price trend

Rising raw material and transportation costs, as well as newly introduced customs processing costs (e.g. material tests), may affect sales prices.

We take this situation very seriously and are doing everything we can to minimise the impact on our customers.

We recommend that you consider this development in your planning and contact us at an early stage to ensure strategic stock management.

Thank you for your trust in supermagnete.

If you have any questions, our support team will be happy to assist you.